If you think Hamptons men are commitment phobic – they’ve got nothing on Hamptons restaurants.  Each year new eateries emerge in time for Memorial Day madness.  Yet after the seasonal rush many quietly shut their doors and abandon their facebook pages.  Here are some summer romances we hope will last.
Welcome the lineup of new Hamptons restaurants for summer of 2012.  See if you can follow the in and out.  Cheers!

The Hamptons Players Club is riding in style into East Hampton to no doubt be one of the Hamptons hottest new restaurants. The polo/equestrian themed restaurant and lounge takes over at 103 Montauk Highway where Beachhouse used to reside. Think bareback beauties meet polo empresarios with the Hamptons unique mix of locals and jetsetters.
Owner and Operator Frank Cilione gave us a personal tour to describe his vision for this three tiered dining experience. Cilione says of the allure, “The …

This is the see and be seen event to kick off the Hamptons Social Season of 2012.  Mingle at the Parrish Art Museum fundraising event with artists, socialites, and moguls.  There will be a live band by Todd Barrie Music, delectable hors d’oevres donated from Sant Ambroeus, a bargain silent auction with everything from designer accessories to local business services, and an open bar featuring delicious specialty drinks, free wines from Niche Import Co., martinis by Glacier Potato Vodka and Southampton Public …

It’s back!  One of the top Hamptons Happy Hours is game on starting this Friday April 20th at 5pm, Wolffer Vineyard Wine Stand’s Sunset Fridays.  They kick off with a kick *** band – namely drummer Richie Siegler of Escola de Samba BOOM fame who brings his quartet Jazz Meets Samba to serenade the crowd.
Wolffer Sunset Fridays are held out on the lawn with a view of the vines – what could be better than hot jazz, cold wine, and old and …

Whenever there’s a new kid on the restaurant block in the Hamptons there’s a flurry of excitement.  When the new eatery comes from one of our favorite restaurateurs it’s even better.  David Loewenberg with his co-owner Sam McCleland is taking over the old Oasis Restaurant in Noyac to open The Anchor.  Loewenberg and McCleland are the team behind the amazing waterfront Beacon restaurant in Sag Harbor.  David also is co-owner with Kirk Basnight of Southampton’s little|red (opened 2011) and red|bar brasserie and …

As if darkness setting in at 4pm wasn’t enough to make you bring out Sylvia Plath and Mozart’s Requiem, the cold and flu season is upon us as well.  If you’re looking for a natural way to fight not only the dreaded germs but the depression brought on at this time of year, Maureen Dodd of WellNEST has a solution. 
 
She will be conducting free medicinal oil consultations on Saturday Nov. 12th from 11am to 3pm at WellNEST located at 125 Main Street …

HipHampton-istas know that our favorite four letter word is SALE.  Only more enticing when preceded by SPA.  There are a few specials this week at Top Hamptons Spas.

If ever there was a high end pu pu platter of the best of the Hamptons food and wine it could be found at Harvest East End.  The weekend long event dedicated to showcasing local food and wine proved definitively how important it is to protect and nurture our local farms and vineyards.  At the Festival Tasting at the Ludlow Farm in Bridgehampton, guests were enjoying their favorite nibbles and wine from local restaurants and vineyards but more importantly making new discoveries.
Distinguished …

As the weather begins to turn, jet setters start fueling up for their next destination.  We’ll be letting you in on some of our favorite travel spots and great deals here at HipHamptons.  Our pick for fall is the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach which is only two blocks from the ocean and a walk to Worth Avenue’s famous five star shopping.  Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels 2010 ranked them #1 in South Florida and #3 in …

What started as a one day local horse show with a lemonade stand has turned into the prestigious and elegant Hampton Classic where patrons can sip Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal ringside as the top grand prix show jumpers in the world compete.  As an ode back to the days when the show first grew to its 5 day rated status, a hurricane again derailed the show.  But in what is now called “miracle Monday” the entire show grounds were re-assembled in a …

Labor Day is time to play.  For everyone who has spent hours at their computer or inside an office or cursing Irene because you are still using baby wipes for a shower this is your chance to blow it out.  HipHamptons gives you pure pleasure permission.  Here are a few of our favorite things.

 
 
It was hard to tell whether it was the newest Ferraris or the beautiful brunettes which were turning heads at the entrance to the JetFlite International Southampton soiree, Only The Best, on Saturday.  The evening of Fashion, Ferraris, and Fun hosted by JFI Jets brought out the well-high-heeled set to enjoy the luxury brands JFI Jets has partnered with in their effort to elevate the jet set just a little higher.

Proving that the Hamptons are mother’s favorite – Mother Nature that is — the threatened storms stepped aside for fabulous weather at the Hamptons Cup at Bridgehampton Polo on Saturday.  There was plenty of thunder, however on the CIRCA Championship field where team Equuleus faced team KIG and emerged victorious 7 – 5 with Kris Kampsen being crowned MVP.  Guests under the Blue Stars Jets VIP tent had the front row seat to the action.  Remember not only are the players galloping …

photo credit Jerritt Clark
Stilettos can be an effective weapon, either the small thin knife to slay an attacker, or the super sexy high heels which can slay Prince Charming.  The love/hate relationship women have with their high heels is the subject of Dr. Emily Splichal’s business.  “Dr. Legs” as she is known kicked up her heels in the Hamptons with her successful #1 fitness dvd’s Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery.  Dr. Splichal hosted the very first Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Hamptons Fitness & …

Beth Ostrosky Stern tosses out the ball in style. 
Aside from the excitement on the Circa Field, Bridgehampton Polo draws an interesting and eclectic crowd  – both spectators and sponsors.  Getting their inside story is half the fun.
We had the chance to catch up with Janera Soerel Program Director and Myra Magaletta Executive Director of Urban Zen which has a tent next to the Blue Star Jets VIP lounge.  They are using the opportunity for the foundation’s Hope, Help & Rebuild Haiti initiative.  …

Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Introduce Hamptons Fitness/Wellness Fundraiser
 

East Hamptons fitness & wellness soiree to benefit Soles4Souls, hosted by PIX 11 Dr. Steve Salvatore
Saturday August 13 2p- 6p

Dr. Emily Splichal creator of the #1 posture and balance workouts “Catwalk Confidence” and “Stiletto Recovery” has partnered with Dasha Wellness to launch a luxury East Hamptons fitness & wellness soiree to benefit Soles4Souls on August 13, 2011.   The event will be hosted by PIX 11 Dr. Salvatore.

By Heather Buchanan
I’m the first one to play in the sandbox, dive down the rabbit hole, or pull the genie out of the bottle so when I had the chance to go through the Grey Goose Blue Door – I was the first one to arrive at the blue velvet rope.
Grey Goose Vodka launched their Blue Door series to celebrate the best in life, inviting guests into their Hamptons summer wonderland for a curated cultural experience.  Held in a private estate in …

This Saturday, August 6th 4-6pm wellNEST Studio welcomes Terri Cole and her ”Live Fearless and Free” campaign!  
Terri is a life coach, psycho-therapist, natural comedienne,  an original member of the Kris Carr- Crazy Sexy Posse- co-authoring Crazy Sexy books, VH1 TV host, and won her own battle with cancer.  This will be a fun 2 hour event of motivation, movement, getting you out of your own way, and revamping your blue print of getting your life moving forward NOW.  Terri will be joined …

Safe sex arrived in style in the Hamptons when the Trojan Good Vibrations Truck pulled into the Surf Lodge in Montauk during the SPIN Magazine Summer Concert series.   The truck brought treats of another good humor kind for the sophisticated young social set who rallied around the free giveaways.  Clearly the condom and cosmopolitan was the perfect complement.  Trojan is just launching a new line of vibrators so guests had the chance to find out ““What’s your vibe?” with the Trojan iPad vibes quiz.

 
By Heather Buchanan
You’ll never look at your tuna tartare in the same way again.
Ted Danson headlined the Hamptons Splash Party to benefit Oceana this Saturday July 30.  Guests enjoyed a lovely soiree at the luxurious oceanfront home of Margie and Michael Loeb.  With a starlit night where romantic couples could wander to our world class beaches and gaze at the Atlantic it was more apparent than ever how important it is to support Oceana which works to protect the world’s oceans.  As …

There are a few magical moments in a Hamptons summer which embody true joie de vie.  The Cocktails at Sunset benefit for ACRIA at host Steven Klein’s West Kill Farms in Bridgehampton on Saturday was such an illuminating night.  Tiki torches with their flames aglow guided guests through fields to the tent surrounded by lanterns with a long lit lap pool and fire pits.  Another magical orange glow of the signature Veuve Clicquot bottles lined the bar along with the icy Belvedere …

By Heather Buchanan
While some elements of Bridgehampton Polo were familiar such as the lightning fast polo ponies which can turn on a dime, fearless players, and the beautiful Two Trees farm setting, others were new.  For the sophisticated spectator the Blue Star Jets VIP Tent and newly christened Circa Championship Field feltmore civilized with  a breath of fresh air (despite the sweltering heat.)
 
 

Peter Brant has taken the reins this year for the 15th anniversary season of Bridgehampton Polo and a new team, …

By Heather Buchanan
They say if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.  Yet a capacity crowd braved the heat on Saturday to enjoy the James Beard Foundation’s Chefs and Champagne® New York at the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, tasting fare from 42 chefs from Amagansett to Anguilla and enjoying Wolffer Wines, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, and Stella Artois beers.  James Beard Foundation President Susan Ungaro said it best, “It may be hot but this is the coolest place to …

Top ten reasons to attend the James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne® held at Wolffer Estate Vineyards on Saturday July 23
1)                  Hot Chefs – Emeril Lagasse is being honored.
2)                  Cold Bubbly – This year the Exclusive Champagne Sponsor is Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte – we’ve got a big crush on their Brut Rose.

3)                  Delectible Nibbles – Over 40 first class chefs will be offering tastes of their famous fare – note this is no time to wear white – designer bibs optional.

Bastille Day arrived early on Shelter Island at La Maison Blanche with great panache: cold Gosset Champagne, hot Petanque players, a dash of French bistro fare and a pinch of ooh la la.
Raising money for the Shelter Island Lions Club, the Petanque Tournament was hosted by partners Alistair MacLean and John Sieni of La Maison Blanche, the new chic boutique hotel and restaurant (see our article).  Sponsored by Lillet, Gosset Champagne, and Ricard, the celebratory afternoon may have looked all fun and …

By Heather Buchanan
If anyone has information leading to the retrieval of the missing lobster mascot for Banzai Burger “Kobe the Lobster” it might be worth a $1000 Banzai Burger tab.  It’s one thing to steal home base or even your buddy’s girlfriend but dude, don’t steal the lobster! 
Banzai Burger on the Nappeague stretch in Amagansett has been winning raves for its food which range from fine fare and yes the ultimate burger from Argentinian Chef Alan Hughes and Sushi Chef Isao Yoshimura.  And …

 By Heather Buchanan
Guest photos by Patrick McMullan
The 12th annual Love Heals at Luna Farm raised more than $300,000 for the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education on Saturday in Sagaponack.  The stylish young social set of the Hamptons came out to support the cause and enjoy the Coney Island Comes to the Hamptons theme, proving that you can absolutely mix Chandon sparkling wine with Nathan’s hot dogs.  Guests flocked to the Patron Margarita Bar and rollercoaster photo booth where a wind machine …

Use the grape vine to your advantage — not only to network  but to enjoy the fruits of your labor, or the labor of the vintners at Bedell Cellars.  Live music, fine wine, good food, and the chance to join the Parrish Art Museum Business Council if you’re not already a member.  Cheers!  Be sure to bring your business cards.

WellNEST welcomes Floracopia Founder, David Crow, master herbalist and one of the world’s foremost experts and leading speakers in the field of botanical medicine and grassroots healthcare, as he joins Richard Ash, MD and Maureen Dodd, for a day of events at WellNEST Studio.

 
Photos courtesy of wellNEST Studio
A new healing center, the wellNEST Studio arrives in Sag Harbor, opening new paths for those looking for inner peace, physical balance and optimal health on a soul-ullar level.  Offering everything from yoga to meditation to alchemical arts and medicinal oil and healing, the new bright white studio at 51 Division Street complements the 125 Main Street boutique.

Thank God it’s Friday!  The place to be on Friday to toast the end of the work week and the beginning of the Hamptons weekend (yes put away your iPhone, no really I’m watching you) is the Wolffer Wine Stand in Sagaponack for Sunset Fridays where you can listen to live music, drink cold wine, and relax on a blanket with friends, kids, and even well behaved dogs (four legged kind).

The Hamptons International Film Festival gets into the summer share action – sharing free classic films at the Sole East Resort in Montauk.  On Sundays cinephiles can gather under the stars to watch the films starting at 7pm with BBQ and cocktails for purchase.  These special Hamptons outdoor film screenings start at sunset.  The series kicks off this Sunday June 5 with To Catch A Thief starring Grace Kelly and Carey Grant.  Keep the family jewels close.

The Hamptons benefit season is upon us and Memorial Day weekend kicks off with the Planned Parenthood fundraiser on Sunday May 29th with Heat Wave which we hope will inspire Mother Nature to turn up the temperature here on the East End.  Held at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, this is a not to miss event with a Silent Art Auction from major name artists like Ross Bleckner, Eric Fischl and April Gornik and Pop Up Boutiques from your favorite designers …

 
By Heather Buchanan
photo credit hotel images Rick Lew
As a fellow Scott, Hotelier Alistair MacLean could have had me at Cheers, especially with the astoundingly good Bloody Mary that even Eric Ripert said was the best he ever had.  But truly, the new Shelter Island boutique hotel and restaurant La Maison Blanche adds a fresh flare to the Hamptons social scene without the velvet rope mentality. 

When you see the sixteen packets of sugar that represent how many grams of sugar are in your favorite bottled drink it’s easy to freak out.  I mean it’s not a milkshake for goodness sake —  it’s a bottled iced tea.  Renata Petecka is here at a seminar to explain to us just how important it is to read labels.  Renata takes a holistic approach to her health coaching business.  While weight loss (hello bikini season) is a major goal, she incorporates …

After a long cold winter, when a fresh new dish arrives in town, everyone flocks to take a look, especially when an open bar and free aps are involved.  Michael Gluckman’s newest hot spot eaterie beachhouse (sister restaurant to boathouse) opened its french doors yesterday and was quickly packed with Hamptonites thrilled to see the long closed spot ,formerly Prime 103, in East Hampton opened and ready for her close up.  A well heeled crowd turned out to get the first look.

By Heather Buchanan
There’s a saying in the Hamptons that you don’t lose your girlfriend, you just lose your turn.  What is true socially is also true on the Hamptons culinary scene.  With a limited number of Hamptons restaurant spaces there’s the inevitable swap and shop. Famed suburban seventies key parties are replaced by key money parties where leases can run as much as a half million for rights to the space.

The Hamptons have a long tradition of being a gathering place for artists and writers.  Other than the eponymous softball game each summer, bringing together these talents, especially in public for an in depth discussion has become rare.  Thanks to c/o The Maidstone Hotel for producing the Art & Dine series where every other Tuesday night the public gathers in a salon setting to share food, wine, and the discussion of the arts with a live in-depth interview of an artist or …

In the Celtic days “going green” had to do with sustainability but it was how many green beers you could consume and sustain your balance without falling down and having the wee fairies make fun of you.
For East Enders St. Patrick’s Day is a hallowed rite of spring with their Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade which will be held Sunday March 20 at 1pm in Montauk.  Many may not know that St. Patrick is actually the patron saint of Elvis impersonators on …

By Heather Buchanan
So you’ve got a scratchy throat and you can’t button your jeans after the holiday gluttony and you just ran outside in your bathrobe yelling, NOOOO to try and stop the automated home heating oil delivery because you can’t pay the bill.   All valid bummers.  However there is a thing called perspective, and if you sit down with Jonathan Nash Glynn founder of Wings Over Haiti and get a first person report on the human suffering front in Haiti you have a new outlook on …

New Year’s is about ritual whether it is toasting at an intimate dinner with the one you love or the hottie you just met under the disco ball.  Being in a committed relationship when it’s only until midnight is manageable for anyone.  Putting your best foot forward on New Year’s day may mean plunging it into an icy ocean to raise money for a good cause.  You can head to a jazz brunch for hair of the dog or you can also put that energy into …

LIGHTS!
 The East End is famous for its natural light but romantics will appreciate the villages’ megawatts holiday lights.  If you’re looking for your Rudolph moment (Valentino that is) take advantage of the romantic display of lights:

By Heather Buchanan
While some family traditions may bring a chorus of embarrassed groans like Aunt Betty’s brick-like fruitcake or slide shows from the Disney World trip where Dad got agitated and accosted Mickey, others may be the most anticipated and cherished of the holiday season.
For my family, that tradition is tequila is the bathroom.
In another era you might have shared bathtub gin, yet today bathtub tequila is elevated to a whole new level. An Asian inspired spa bathroom in a newly built …

(Photos courtesy of Gregory Partanio, Manhattan Society)
By Heather Buchanan
While Franco may not have cared for Spanish wines, a room full of fashionable vinophiles at the Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan expressed great appreciation as they dined their way through a gourmet 6 course dinner.  “The Spanish Art of Seduction with Spain’s Greatest Wine Makers” honored Jose Moro, Juan Muga, and Jorge Ordonez.
Spain’s greatest winemakers and Manhattan sophisticates came together with Vijay Kumar for this unforgettable journey through the Ribera del Duero and Rioja …

Forget oysters, hot second grade teachers, or a hint of black lace showing through a sheer dress, the ultimate male aphrodisiac is a Ferrari.  A man’s erogenous zone can be found in his right foot.  Put together a cavalry of classics, contemporaries, and custom designs, and you have the four wheel version of a Miss America Pageant.  The second annual Ferrari Hamptons Rally roared into Georgica Restaurant and Lounge in Wainscott Saturday to be the eye candy for specially invited VIPs at a guest reception following …

“Jeff would have loved this,” said Toni Ross of the perfect combination of delectable food, spirited wines and spirits, and great friends coming together to honor her late husband Jeff Salaway and the funds established in his honor at the Great Chefs Dinner 2010.  For the guests it was personal to remember such a beloved member of the community, celebrating Jeff’s Kitchen and Hayground School’s Organic Garden to benefit the Jeff Salaway Scholarship Fund at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton on Sunday.

Friday August 6
Jill Lynn & Co Art Opening
6p to 9p
Aside from the beautiful custom made jewels from designer Jill Lynn you can check out the artwork of Grant Haffner and Dana Bell.
Jill Lynn & Co., 66 Jobs Lane, Southampton.
 
Phao Thai Kitchen – Chill Lounge
This great thai restaurant turns up the heat – body heat that is with music all weekend. 
Project Vibe is Friday from 10 pm – 1am with a $10 cover
Saturday is DJ Cana from 10:30pm – 2am
Sunday is Reggae at …

This past Saturday, party-goers and art lovers alike converged in Shinnecock Bay for an enchanting Vernissage at the private Southampton home of Peter Felfe. For the third summer in a row, New York artist Annika Connor and her production company, Active Ideas Productions, has collaborated with Mr. Felfe to put together an annual summer art show that doubles as a lavish party celebrating both emerging artists and the summer season.

And they’re off.  Jetsetters and their entourage donned their Saturday afternoon and it’s bloody hot out best and headed to Blue Star Jets Field at Two Trees Farm to enjoy the Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge opener between Great Oaks and La Alegria.  The series runs every Saturday from 4 -6 through August 28th and proceeds from the gate go to support the very worthy South Fork Breast Health Coalition.